Author Archives: Nick Kelly

Thank Fachtna it’s Friday.

You know the drill by now. It’s a voucher-free music nerd knees-up. And all in the best possible taste.

This week, I want to know: What’s your favourite song whose title or lyrics mention dreams or dreaming.

Here’s mine.

Lines MUST close on Saturday at Midday.

Please include video link if possible.

Nick says: Good luck!

Meanwhile…

Horslips – The Man Who Built America

Last week, I asked you to name your favourite song whose title or lyrics refer to metals.

Reader Eamonn won my esteem with this Irish prog banger:

“All about America right now. Golden Nails, Silver Bars. Only had to hear it once, never forgot it. Never had the excuse to post about it on the interwebs though.”

Nick says: Well done, Eamonn and thanks all.

Last week: Win Nick’s Esteem

Top pic: Plugd records, Cork

This morning.

Nice leder.

Just don’t mention the…

….ah now.

Sophie Doyle Ryder – Too Much

Ryder on the storm.

Dublin teenage newcomer Sophie Doyle Ryder (top) has mastered the art of the power ballad on this video filmed as part of The Superior Sessions, alongside pianist Noelle Brennan.

Sophie has just released the single Hunni Hunni from her debut EP Beginner’s Luck and has signed to the Paradigm Agency.

Nick says: Sophie’s the choice.

Sophie Doyle Ryder

Brí – In My Head

Dance, dance, wherever you may be.

Offaly songstress Brí (top) gears up for the release of her album Hide on October 22 with this new single and video that is as classy as the day is long. Fans of Dido should check this out.

The promo was directed by Gerard Walsh and stars choreographers Lisa Hogan and Barry Dunne.

Brí says:

“The theme of my debut album grew from my song ‘Hide’. I’ve always held other people’s opinions above my own and let fear hold me back both in music and in life. This album embodies the fallout and the resolutions that stemmed from this into many facets of my life.

“A loud theme that has been reinforced since the album’s inception; the entire process of making ‘Hide’ in itself, has forced me to trust my gut and to honour my vision. From now on I won’t hide.”

Nick says: Bri here now.

Brí

Last night.

The Defence Forces conducted a military exercise in the Poolbeg Area, Dublin Docks between 9pm and 1am.

The exercise, titled Exercise Viking Landing II, involved army recruits being exposed to the ‘contingencies, complexities and irregularities of urban warfare’ against the unvaxxed population.

Save Poolbeg (and yourselves).

Defence Forces conduct military exercise in Dublin (RTÉ)

Pic: RTÉ

Eoin Glackin – Our Way

Roam where you want to.

Dublin singer/songwriter Eoin Glackin (top) raises a smile with a message of positivity on his new single – and the cherry on top is the charming picturesque video.

Eoin writes:

“Although we’ve certainly missed out on a lot over the course of the pandemic, a positive has been that people have had time to reconsider the track that certain aspects of their lives were on. Both small and big choices have been given fresh perspectives, and there’s no harm in that. That’s where this song comes from, realising that our future really is ours and nobody else’s. It’s a call to embrace that feeling of uncertainty and just follow your own feet.”

Nick says: Go Eoin.

Eoin Glackin

Marty Mone – Slip The Clutch

“Slip the clutch in a bullnose truck”

Indomitable trucker and country/folk singer Marty Mone presents a new version of his ode to the big rigs and all who ride in them.

The original song was released in 2015 and clocked up a whopping 16 million streams.

Now Marty – the pride of Castleblayney, County Monaghan – has teamed up with Colm Nolan to direct the latest video which celebrates life on the road.

Nick says: We’ve all got wheels to take ourselves away.

Marty Mone

Shiv – Where You Are

The hills are alive.

Zimbabwean-Irish singer Siobhan McClean (top) aka Shiv impresses on her new single from her new EP The Love Interlude, due on October 8.

A heady mix of soul, r’n’b, hip-hop and jazz, it heralds the arrival of a fresh new talent. Producer Adrien Soleiman adds the slinky sax.

Shiv says:

“We have been fed a narrative of a perfect kind of love, that is effortless and uncomplicated, that means that you will find someone who fits every part of you flawlessly.
“More often than not, this isn’t the case, it’s the imperfection that makes love fulfilling, it’s in learning and growing that you find happiness that is gratifying because of the time you have spent nurturing it.”

The video was shot by Paloma Pineda and directed and produced by Julia Grandperret.

Nick says: Soul trader.

Shiv